Creative Writing
Find advice and inspiration for your writing with this list of of books about the craft of writing created by librarians at The Seattle Public Library. (February 2026)
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Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow
A bestselling author explores both the technical and personal aspects of the writing craft in a series of essays. Almond’s book will appeal to writers of all different skill levels seeking insights into the wondrous art of storytelling. An engaging reading guidebook to the writing life. (Kirkus)
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1000 Words
This encouraging handbook by novelist Attenberg offers brief essays aimed at motivating readers to get writing. The highlights of the volume are letters originally written for Attenberg's Craft Talk newsletter from such writers as Roxane Gay, Min Jin Lee, Emma Straub, and Bryan Washington, who expound on their craft... (Publishers Weekly)
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Dust and Light
National Book Award winner Barrett expounds on her approach to historical fiction in this edifying meditation. She argues that while getting the facts right is important, writers’ paramount concern should be capturing the intangible feeling of what it was like to live through a particular era. It’s a bracing inquiry into the purpose of fiction and its relationship with truth. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
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Refuse to Be Done
In a fresh approach to writing process, Bell suggests a three-draft model to novel completion, from tactics for the initial draft, to a second draft of outlining, modeling and rewriting, to a third draft of final revisions and polishing.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Write for Life
This competent program by creativity teacher Cameron (Seeking Wisdom) provides advice on how writers can see projects through to completion. Aspiring writers will appreciate the solid advice. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
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The Lab
The Lab offers a bold, hands-on approach, urging writers to embrace uncertainty, experiment with form, and investigate what haunts them. The Lab features ten chapters and ninety exercises that challenge writers to play with fiction, memoir, and poetry--or push toward hybrid or entirely new forms. (Publisher description)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Decentered Playwriting
A collection of short essays and exercises by leading teaching artists, playwrights, and academics in the fields of playwriting and dramaturgy, this book focuses on reimagining pedagogical techniques, helping playwrights to unlearn their own implicit biases, introducing playwrights to new storytelling methods, traditions, and ways of studying and teaching underrepresented narratological practices. (Publisher description)
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Written
In this useful guide, writing coaches Evans and Smith offer advice for developing a successful writing practice. This entry advances a refreshingly honest approach to writing - it isn't supposed to be easy, and mistakes are part of the process - and the authors' upbeat tone will cheer on readers. Writing pros and amateurs alike will be eager to start typing. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Making Nonfiction Comics
Award-winning creators Harris and Mirk offer an indispensable, highly engaging manual for anyone interested in the craft of visual storytelling that is rooted in reality. This guide is both a reference and an inspiration. (Library Journal)
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
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How We Do It
A one-of-a-kind anthology featuring guidance and perspectives from acclaimed Black writers. Though the book is for “anyone who is a student of the craft,” its primary purpose is to inform and encourage emerging Black writers in particular. (Kirkus)
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Availability: Available
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